New Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is pictured in this handout photo
New Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (R) is pictured with Bill Gates in this undated handout photo obtained by Reuters on March 25, 2014. Nadella, the Indian-born self-described cricket fanatic who took over as Microsoft Corp's chief executive in February 2014, makes his public debut March 27, 2014 and is expected to go on the offensive right away with some bold strokes. REUTERS/Microsoft

Microsoft is expected to buck the trend by launching a smartwatch that analysts believe will be designed along the lines of a fitness band. However, as Winsupersite claims with inputs drawn from Microsoft insiders, the device will still be able to deliver notifications just as a smartwatch is expected to do.

Paul Thurrott who is fairly accurate with his Windows related predictions has also confirmed it's a fitness band sort of a smartwatch that Microsoft is preparing. Maybe it would be a cross between a smartwatch and a fitness band offering the best of both worlds. Fortunately, Paul believe the device will still be priced around $199, much like the Samsung Galaxy Fit.

While there exists some ambiguity as to what exactly the device will be like, what seems almost a certainty is the cross platform compatibility of the upcoming device. This will make the device to pair up with not only Windows but also Android and iOS devices as well. This if true will no doubt be a bold move on part of Microsoft, one that could prove to be a game changer in the segment. The few Android Wear smartwatches we have seen so far are tied to the Android eco-system. Apple too is expected to follow a similar strategy with its iWatch by denying access to other platforms.

Meanwhile, we have earlier come across rumors of the upcoming Microsoft device to feature no less than 11 sensors, reports ndtv. That a fair amount of these will be dedicated to health is almost a certainty to justify its fitness band like attribute. Among these, sensors dedicated to tracking heartbeat, footsteps, calories and such is almost a certainty, to name just a few. GPS navigation too is expected to be part of the package while images associated with the patent filing also revealed a vertically mounted charging dock.

Expect the Microsoft device to land around Autumn this year.